Fans preparing bid to forge Hinckley AFC

A notice of intent to play in the 2014/15 season has already been put into the FA while a constitution for the outfit is being finalised, and working group members have until March 31 to submit the document proving the new venture will be financially viable

Football fans behind a new community club for Hinckley are producing a business plan to submit to the FA.

Hinckley AFC working group members have until March 31 to submit the document proving the new venture will be financially viable.

A notice of intent to play in the 2014/15 season has already been put into the FA while a constitution for the outfit is being finalised with help from fan’s advocate agency, Supporters Direct.

At a meeting last week at the Clarendon Club on Coventry Road, Hinckley, some 150 or so people voted on a name for the new club - choosing Hinckley AFC and kit colours of red and blue and violet and white.

The draft constitution was also presented emphasising the new club’s one member, one vote philosophy and detailing a conscription fee, which could be in the region of £6.

The working group, made up of diehard Hinckley United supporters, have been looking to bring football back to the town since the demise of the Knitters amidst crippling debt and boardroom controversy.

They have received support from the leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Councillor Stuart Bray, who after a meeting with them said: “I am excited about the prospect of having a community owned football club in Hinckley and will give it my full support.”

A number of community trust clubs have risen from the ashes of liquidated sides including AFC Telford - representatives of which have had meetings with the Hinckley AFC working group - York City, Chesterfield City, AFC Wimbledon and Enfield Town.

Most famously European heavyweights Barcelona were formed as a supporters trust.

Discussions are ongoing regarding a home park for Hinckley AFC with the former Knitters ground in Leicester Road not being ruled out.